Written by Sarjet Calion and Bea Basio
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — Future educators from the University of Baguio’s Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) program represented the Philippines at the 2026 Taiwan Summer University Program, hosted by National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) in collaboration with Parami University in Myanmar from July 26 to August 3, 2026.
Centered on the theme “Uncertainties and Challenges in a Changing World”, the week-long international initiative brought together delegates from Taiwan, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines for an intensive exchange centered on pressing regional and global issues.
Academic Exploration and Cultural Immersion
Throughout the program, participants engaged in lectures, workshops, group discussions, and cultural exchanges covering a wide range of topics — including democratic development, environmental sustainability, maritime culture, language identity, place-based education, international relations, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. The sessions encouraged students to look beyond local contexts and examine how different societies navigate global shifts.
Equally transformative were the program’s immersive field experiences across Kaohsiung. At the Sunlight Xiaolin Community, delegates studied post-disaster reconstruction, Taiovan heritage preservation, and community resilience following Typhoon Morakot, underscoring how communities rebuild collective identity and strength alongside physical infrastructure. Additionally,, site visits to the Cijin Social Innovation Base and Kaohsiung Harbor illustrated how local industries, marine environments, and education intersect to drive sustainable urban revitalization.
Building Bridges Beyond the Classroom
Beyond formal academics, the program’s heart lay in cross-cultural solidarity. Daily interactions revealed that despite geographical and political differences, all participants share identical concerns regarding education, identity, and social inequality. A standout moment was the vibrant cultural game exchange, where delegates discovered striking similarities between Burmese games like Chinlone and Shwe Sun Nyo and Filipino classics like Sepak Takraw (Sipa) and Lawin at Sisiw. Guided reflections further enabled participants to translate these shared experiences into actionable community goals.
a campus tour at NSYSU.
“This program gave us practical ideas that we can actually use when we start teaching. We aren’t just bringing back memories; we’re bringing back new ways to teach place-based learning.”‘
– Sarjet Marcelino Calion, 2026 UB Delegate
Her fellow delegate had this to say on the experience:
“Learning about community resilience firsthand showed us that teachers must also be community leaders who know how to support and empower their students through tough times.”
– Bea Waclin Basio, 2026 UB Delegate
Advancing Global Education and the BEACON 2.0 Framework
The International immersion directly advances the BEACON 2.0 framework, preparing BSED students to become globally conscious, action-oriented educators. By participating in cross—border dialogues, the delegates refined their critical thinking, intercultural communication, and pedagogical competencies.
Moving forward, the UB BSED delegates commit to integrating place-based learning, cultural responsiveness, and environmental advocacy into their future classrooms. As aspiring teachers, they return to the Philippines prepared not only to deliver instruction, but to serve as community advocates who cultivate socially engaged, globally aware learners.
